Border crossing points connect peoples and economies: statement

The Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia and the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry have published a statement on normalizing relations, opening border crossing points, and economic cooperation, Armenpress reports.

“As representatives of the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia (UMBA) and the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Van TSO), we consider the bilateral meetings held in Yerevan on September 3-4, 2026, an important and significant step in normalizing relations between Turkey and Armenia and developing economic cooperation. As part of the program organized in Yerevan, 80 businessmen representing the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry held meetings with representatives of the Armenian business community, discussed opportunities for mutual trade and investment, and assessed prospects for joint work between the business circles of the two countries and the development of existing economic ties.

We believe the business community can make a significant contribution to developing relations based on mutual understanding, trust, and shared economic interests, regardless of borders and political differences. We believe that the development of economic and trade relations between Turkey and Armenia will make a significant contribution not only to the business circles of both countries, but also to the economic and social development of the border regions, as well as of Van and Yerevan. In this context, particular attention is being paid to the following aspects:

– Increasing trade volumes between the two countries;

– Opening border crossings between Turkey and Armenia and simplifying mutual border-crossing procedures;

– Improving transport links and making more effective use of existing communication routes;

– Increasing the number of mutual business visits and expanding bilateral (B2B) meetings;

– Assessing opportunities for joint investment and production;

– Strengthening cooperation in tourism, logistics, agriculture, the food industry, the textile industry, other sectors, and services;

– Establishing stable corporate communication within the business community.

We believe that opening the border crossings is not only a boost to trade, but also an important step toward normalizing relations, which will help strengthen contacts, economic cooperation, and mutual trust between the peoples of the two countries,” says the statement.